Cheap usb mic for Skype lessons

[Yonni]

We’re on lockdown but the family want to Leto up their lessons and support our teachers (bass, drums and piano). I did a Google Hangouts test with my teacher today which went well but I could do with an external USB mic. He’s recommended one but it’s not compatible with Audacity. Any recommendations for one under $50?
Must be USB or lightning connector and work with Audacity. I’ve searched Amazon and local music stores already but the reviews vary so much it’s hard to know what’s any good.

 

[Yonni]

Ok, I’ll go higher for something halfway decent..?

 

[seamonkey]

I don't know of any limitations on Audacity for USB mics or interfaces.
Did you also try ASIO4ALL?

 

[Yonni]

I think it was the mic rather than Audacity. I found a few more reviews and there seemed to be a few folk having issues with that combination. I ended up ordering Marantz Pod Pack 1 USB Microphone Package - Andertons Music Co.
I’ll let you know how it sounds.

 

[seamonkey]

Audacity is very solid.
Any more problems will be your mic/interface choice.

 

[Mushroo]

Looks like I'm a little late to the party and you already made your selection.

I just wanted to put in a good word for the Samson Q2U. Regular price US $59, grabbed it on sale for $49. Works flawlessly with Audacity, no driver install necessary. What I like most about it, is that it has both USB and XLR out, so I can also use it as a regular microphone, if I'm away from the computer.

The Samson is a dynamic mic, whereas your Marantz is a condenser, if that makes any difference to you.

 

[Yonni]

Still waiting on delivery. Seems like everyone is buying stuff online now and the drivers have a backlog.

 

[Yonni]

The mic arrived today which was a surprise as the last update said 30th April. Works fine with Audacity for voice. Haven’t had time to set levels properly or find the best position to balance voice and amp for lessons. I’ve got a lesson tomorrow so I’ll have a live test to report on after that. Then I’ll try recording.